When The Hollywood Reporter tried Trump's number (both Monday and Tuesday), the line was busy.

In justifying their publication of Trump's number, Gawker wrote, "Since Trump, in his considered political judgment, has decided that opening up a direct, personal channel of communications between his supporters and his primary opponents is a noble campaign tactic, we think it’s only fair and right that Republican primary voters be able to reach out to Trump himself."

The media outlet said it was providing readers with Trump's phone number "in the spirit of open and fair political debate."